Last updated: February 13, 2026
Flight delays and cancellations are every traveller’s worst nightmare. They can cause missed connections and turn a simple trip into a stressful experience. That’s why we had a closer look at the top reasons behind these disruptions in 2025.
Based on internal data and research combined with statistics gathered from Eurostat and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, as well as aviation reports, we at SkyRefund have ranked the top reasons for these disruptions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
While 2025 saw fewer flight disruptions compared to 2024, there were still plenty of delays. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 reasons for flight delays, based on passenger reports and verified by our databases and legal experts.
While these causes account for 60% of the claims we received in 2025, it is important to note that nearly 40% of passengers were not given a reason for the delay by the airline. Airlines are required to provide passengers with a reason for the disruption, so they are properly informed and able to submit a claim for compensation.
Of all the claims we received in 2025, technical issues accounted for 26.6%, making them the single biggest cause of flight disruptions. This was also the top reason in 2024, with an increase of 2% this year.
What can be classed as a technical issue for flight delay?
These problems can include a wide range of system or mechanical malfunctions, such as engine checks or hydraulic leaks, to faulty sensors or issues with cabin pressure. One example is the NATS technical issue, which caused widespread delays and cancellations in the UK in July 2025.
Can you get compensation?
The short answer is yes, it is possible in some cases; however, it depends on the exact issue. For instance, if the issue falls within the airline's control, such as regular maintenance issues or preventable faults, then a passenger can seek to claim compensation under the EU261.
However, if the technical issue stems from extraordinary circumstances such as hidden manufacturing defects or unexpected safety issues, passengers may not be able to claim compensation, as this is out of the airline's control.
Bad weather accounted for 8.7% of the claims we received in 2025, making it the second most common cause. Compared to 2024, however, this share is nearly 3% lower. In extreme situations, bad weather may force airport closures.
What is considered bad weather for flight delay?
This category specifically refers to thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, fog, snow, or even extreme heat. All of which can impact flight safety and air traffic management. In addition, bad weather can cause airports to close, leading to diversions and widespread disruptions.
Can you get compensation?
Due to bad weather falling under the category of extraordinary circumstances, passengers cannot claim compensation; however, it is worth noting that airlines often use this reason for flight delay or cancellation as an excuse not to pay out. If you are unsure, it is wise to use SkyRefund's free compensation calculator to check your eligibility.
Knock-on delays accounted for 8.6% of the claims we received at SkyRefund in 2025, remaining in the same position in our ranking as in 2024.
What is considered a knock-on effect for flight delay?
These occur when a previous flight operated by the same aircraft arrives late, creating a chain reaction or knock-on effect that affects subsequent departures throughout the day.
Can you get compensation?
Yes, because this issue is within the airline's control, you can claim your flight compensation.
Other reasons accounted for 8% of the claims received in 2025, mainly due to logistical and operational issues that don’t fall into specific categories. This share is higher compared to 2024, when such claims made up 6.9% of the total.
What is included in “other reasons provided”?
These other issues can include air traffic control (ATC) delays, runway closures, tarmac delays, gate unavailability, refuelling delays and documentation delays.
Can you get compensation?
If the airline could have prevented the issue, then a passenger may be entitled to compensation; however, if the reason for flight delay is regarded as a result of extraordinary circumstances, such as runway closures or ATC issues, then a passenger may not be entitled to compensation.
In 2025, airport and airline strikes accounted for 3.9% of all claims we received. This was once again lower than in 2024.
What strikes are included?
This specific category relates to ATC (air traffic control), airline and airport strikes. For example, 34 flights were cancelled in Dublin Airport over two days in July 2025, due to ATC strikes in France and ground staff strikes in Finland.
Can you get compensation?
Put simply, it depends on the strike. If the reason for flight delay is due to ATC or airport strikes, then no. But you can submit a compensation claim form if it is due to airline strikes that were within their control.
Security risks accounted for 1.4% of the claims we received in 2025, with no change compared to 2024.
What are considered security risks for flight delay?
These can include anything ranging from bomb threats and suspicious packages to security alerts and airport lockdowns.
Can you get compensation?
No. Because security risks are classified as extraordinary circumstances, which are not within the airline's control, passengers are not entitled to compensation. However, it is worth noting that despite this, passengers have a Right to care from the airline, whether it be meal vouchers and accommodation where necessary.
Interestingly, according to a recent survey conducted by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), 45% of respondents did not know their rights when flights are cancelled or delayed, highlighting the importance of understanding when you can claim.
With no change compared to 2024, 1.1% of the claims received by SkyRefund in 2025 were related to crew scheduling problems.
What do these scheduling issues cover?
This refers to issues with the availability of the crew, such as pilots or flight attendants being unable to operate the flight as planned. This can be because of exceeded working hour limits or illness, which can then lead to flight delays and even cancellations in the worst case. In some cases, these issues can even lead to airport closures.
Can you get compensation?
Generally, yes, because this is usually within the airline's control. However, it does depend on the reason for the flight delay, such as a crew member being unable to operate a flight due to an extraordinary circumstance like an airport closure or being stranded because of bad weather. Always get an exact reason from the airline to find out if your flight is eligible for compensation.
Medical emergencies accounted for 1% of the claims we received in 2025, similar to 2024. In more serious cases, these issues can escalate and even result in airport closures.
What is considered a medical emergency for flight delay?
This could be a situation where a crew member or a passenger requires medical assistance due to a serious medical issue, which can lead to emergency landings, flight diversions or even delays on the ground while seeking medical help.
Can you get compensation?
Unfortunately, this reason does not qualify for compensation, since it is out of the airline's control.
Nearly 0.7% of claims made to SkyRefund in 2025 were related to bird strikes, again with no change compared to 2024.
What are bird strikes for flight delay?
A bird strike happens when a bird collides with an aircraft during takeoff or landing, causing damage to the aircraft and leading to emergency landings.
Can you get compensation?
Yes and no. If the flight disruption is caused directly by the bird strike, then compensation is not owed. However, if the airline fails to handle the aftermath efficiently, leading to delays or cancellations, then there may still be time to claim compensation.
This reason accounted for 0.4% of claims made to SkyRefund in 2025, again with no change compared to 2024.
What is considered political or civil unrest?
Issues linked to protests, riots, government instability or strikes that are linked to protests, fall into this category.
Can you get compensation?
No, since this is an example of extraordinary circumstances, passengers are not entitled to compensation.
This study, undertaken by SkyRefund, was based on internal data reflecting the total number of claims made from January to December 2025. It covers both flight delays and cancellations, though delays were far more common across all categories.
This, combined with official statistics and reports issued by Eurostat and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, was used to ensure accuracy.
With a 98% success rate, SkyRefund makes claiming flight compensation hassle-free, which is why it is trusted by over 1M passengers. With over 8 years of legal experience, we help passengers worldwide exercise their rights and claim the compensation they are entitled to.
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